Less than a year ago, Jay Donaldson’s son, Jehru, became another victim of senseless gun violence. But within a month his life was celebrated with 500 people attending the creation of a new community group dedicated to getting young men off the streets and engaged in positive activities.

Now the organization has a new name and an expanded set of goals to serve both youths and the elderly. The PROMISE Foundation, (Protecting and Restoring the Order of Mankind with the Initiative of Serving Elders) kicked off its inaugural event on the North Side, June 14.

KEEPING THE PROMISE—Jay Donaldson welcomes all to his second annual anti-violence rally. The event, which seeks to steer youths toward positive activities is dedicated to the memory of his son, Jehru, fatally shot last July while sitting in a car.

Participating organizations and groups included the Children’s Museum, The Bidwell Center, One Hood, Muhammad’s Mosque No. 22, The Center for Victims of Violence and Crime, and the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh.

“I was really pleased with the turnout, despite the rain,” Donaldson said. “We had one family who came all the way from Farmington, Pa. We’ve come a long way in less than a year because we’re serious about stopping violence and mentoring youth, so these programs have to go on. The message is a very positive one.”

Donaldson said the organization is working to coordinate an elders program that would engage youths in helping the elderly see to their everyday needs.

“We have folks in the health care industry helping us craft that piece,” he said. “It could involve home maintenance, lawn care, shopping, anything they might need. I work at Veteran’s Administration Hospital, so I’m experienced in elder care as well.”

In addition to its service goals, Donaldson said the foundation has awarded its first two $500 scholarships to Oliver High School graduates. Jehru Donaldson attended Oliver before his death.

“Next year, we’re hoping to open it up to Perry (Traditional Academy) seniors as well,” said Donaldson. “Hopefully, after that we can include the whole city.”

Valerie Dixon, community outreach coordinator for Center for Victims of Violence and Crime, said she was impressed by Donaldson’s commitment and the community support.

“It really made me feel good to see a lot of kids there. His whole family is mobilizing the community against the violence,” she said. “It’s bringing the community together and helping people access other programs they aren’t always aware of—taking it to the streets, that’s where you have to go.”

Donaldson said that is how his son would have wanted it.

“He wouldn’t want it any other way,” he said. “We just had a birthday for him last month and all kinds of folks came out, celebrated, helped us plant trees. He would have loved this.”